If your dog eats a grape, it can be very dangerous because grapes are highly toxic to dogs regardless of breed, age, or gender. The exact substance causing toxicity is unknown, but it is believed that tartaric acid in grapes damages dogs' kidneys, potentially leading to sudden kidney failure and even death
. Symptoms of grape poisoning usually appear within 24 hours and can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, abdominal pain, and changes in urination such as decreased or no urine output. In severe cases, dogs may develop seizures, high blood pressure, and uremic breath (a fishy odor)
. Not all dogs react the same way-some may show severe symptoms after eating even a small amount, while others may not show symptoms despite eating larger quantities. However, because the reaction is unpredictable and can be fatal, it is critical to act quickly if your dog has eaten grapes
. If your dog eats grapes, you should contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately. Early treatment improves the prognosis and may involve inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to bind toxins, intravenous fluids to support kidney function, and close monitoring of kidney health
. In summary, grapes and all grape products (including raisins, grape juice, and grape jelly) should never be given to dogs. If ingestion occurs, prompt veterinary care is essential to prevent serious health consequences
